[Tropical] Hurricane Local Statement

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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 43
National Weather Service Miami FL  AL112017
537 PM EDT Sat Sep 9 2017

This product covers SOUTH FLORIDA

**CONDITIONS DETERIORATE AS IRMA'S OUTER BANDS MOVE INTO SOUTH
 FLORIDA**

NEW INFORMATION
---------------

* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - None

* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
    - A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for
      Coastal Broward, Coastal Collier, Coastal Miami-Dade, Coastal
      Palm Beach, Far South Miami-Dade, Inland Collier, Inland
      Miami-Dade, Mainland Monroe, and Metro Miami-Dade
    - A Hurricane Warning is in effect for Glades, Hendry, Inland
      Broward, Inland Palm Beach, Metro Broward, and Metro Palm Beach

* STORM INFORMATION:
    - About 160 miles south of Miami FL or about 210 miles
      south-southeast of Naples FL
    - 23.4N 80.5W
    - Storm Intensity 125 mph
    - Movement West-northwest or 295 degrees at 9 mph

SITUATION OVERVIEW
------------------

Major Hurricane Irma remains an extremely dangerous threat for all of
South Florida, with a direct major hurricane impact expected over
Southwest Florida.

The main concern will be the potential for catastrophic and life-
threatening storm surge inundation along and near the Southwest
Florida Gulf coast. The storm surge threat is not only limited to the
immediate coast but also extends further inland. Devastating major
hurricane force winds across large portions of South Florida is
another significant concern with Irma.

Hurricane Irma is slowing down ahead of its expected turn to the
northwest. The outer bands of Irma will move across South Florida this
evening with increasing frequency of tropical storm force winds. The
threat of tornadoes and strong wind gusts will continue to increase
throughout the evening and overnight. Hurricane force winds may begin
as soon as the pre-dawn hours on Sunday over the far southern tip of
the peninsula spreading northward throughout the morning hours.

Preparations to protect life and property should be complete! All
persons in South Florida should take shelter and be prepared for
dangerous conditions through Monday. Hurricane Irma is a potentially
deadly situation and should not be taken lightly. Everyone is urged to
exercise extreme caution in order to protect their lives. Time is
running out to leave areas under evacuation orders!

POTENTIAL IMPACTS
-----------------

* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible catastrophic
impacts across Southwest Florida. Potential impacts in this area
include:
    - Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly
      accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to
      buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded
      from considerable floating debris. Locations may be
      uninhabitable for an extended period.
    - Near-shore escape routes and secondary roads washed out or
      severely flooded. Flood control systems and barriers may become
      stressed.
    - Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible.
    - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers.
      Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted
      onshore and stranded.

Also, protect against life-threatening surge having possible
significant to devastating impacts across the remainder of coastal South
Florida.

* WIND:
Potential impacts from the main wind event are now unfolding across
South Florida. Remain well sheltered from life-threatening wind having
possible devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof
      and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage
      greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations
      may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
    - Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and
      roadway signs blown over.
    - Many roads impassable from large debris, and more within urban
      or heavily wooded places. Many bridges, causeways, and access
      routes impassable.
    - Widespread power and communications outages.

* FLOODING RAIN:
Potential impacts from the flooding rain are still unfolding across
South Florida. Remain well guarded against life-threatening flood
waters having possible devastating impacts. If realized, these impacts
include:
    - Extreme rainfall flooding may prompt numerous evacuations and
      rescues.
    - Ditches and canals may overwhelmingly overflow their banks in
      many places with deep moving water. Flood control systems and
      barriers may become stressed.
    - Flood waters can enter numerous structures within multiple
      communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed
      away. Numerous places where flood waters may cover escape
      routes with streets, parking lots and underpasses submerged.
      Driving conditions become very dangerous. Numerous road and
      bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.

* TORNADOES:
Potential impacts from tornadoes are still unfolding across South
Florida. Remain well braced against a dangerous tornado event having
possible significant impacts. If realized, these impacts include:
    - The occurrence of scattered tornadoes can hinder the execution
      of emergency plans during tropical events.
    - Several places may experience tornado damage with a few spots
      of considerable damage, power loss, and communications failures.
    - Locations could realize roofs torn off frame houses, mobile
      homes demolished, boxcars overturned, large trees snapped or
      uprooted, vehicles tumbled, and small boats tossed about.
      Dangerous projectiles can add to the toll.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
----------------------------------

* EVACUATIONS:
Do not return to evacuated areas until hazardous winds diminish and
flood waters abate.

* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Now is the time to remain safely sheltered from the storm. Stay inside
and away from windows. Listen for updates and be ready in case you lose
electrical power. Locate your battery powered radio and flashlight from
your Emergency Supplies Kit. Keep these items close.

Continue to keep your cell phone well charged for as long as
possible. If you lose power, use it more sparingly and mainly for
personal emergencies and check-ins. Do not overload communications
systems with idle chatter.

Do not be a senseless thrill seeker or risk your life for photos or
videos. Be wise and avoid becoming another statistic.

Closely monitor NOAA Weather radio or other local news outlets for
official storm information. Be ready to adapt to possible changes to
the forecast.

NEXT UPDATE
-----------

The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather
Service in Miami FL around 12 AM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.

$$

RAG/KScharf/Molleda
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